For the first time, a lesbian was elected speaker in the California State Assembly.

Toni Atkins got this position by unanimous voice vote.

"It was honestly never in my world vision that I could do this," the Los Angeles Times reported her as saying. "So it’s an incredible personal honor."

According to KQED, Atkins told her fellow lawmakers that her priorities include stabilizing the state budget, addressing the state’s long-term water needs and improving the economy. She said she’d take a special interest in reducing homelessness and affordable housing issues.